Grants to prepare youth in key industries

Secretary of Education Susan Bunting today announced more than $400,000 in public grants to support new high school pathway programs. The effort expands on the statewide Delaware Pathways initiative to prepare all students to excel in key fields that offer good job opportunities in the new economy. The 40 competitive grants, awarded from federal Perkins funds, will benefit 16 districts or charter schools for the 2018-19 school year. Find a full list below.

The grants will support students as they enroll in advanced coursework and training in business information management, architectural engineering, public and community health, early childhood teacher preparation, agricultural power and engineering, and agricultural structures and engineering. This funding also expands opportunities for students to pursue training in current pathways, including business management and administration, healthcare, construction, and education and training. The new programs will begin in the 2018-19 school year.

Grant funds are used by school districts to implement career and technical education programs as part of a larger state effort to connect our public education system, post-secondary institutions, and employers. Students take hundreds of hours of specialized instruction and hands-on training in their pathways, giving them the opportunity to graduate with work experience, college credit, and industry credentials that are relevant to those industries. As a result, students receive a head start on getting a job and earning a degree.

“Delaware will hire or replace 30 percent of its workforce in the next eight years. These shifts require employers and schools to take a more active role in shaping Delaware’s talent pipeline,” Bunting said.

The Pathways programs currently serve about 9,000 students across 41 high schools. This is an increase from about 5,000 students last school year. Three years ago the program had one class of about 30 students.

Since 2015, more than $2 million has been allocated to support career opportunities for all youth.

Bunting made the announcement at Smyrna School District’s Smyrna High School, which is receiving five grants totaling $55,000 for its business information management, computer science, early childhood education, agriculture structures and agriculture power pathways.

“The agriculture and construction industries are facing a shortage of qualified workers, with the greying of today’s workforce. ABC Delaware is pleased to partner with the First State’s schools to help students prepare for the construction trades,” said ABC Delaware President Edward J. Capodanno. “With these new Agricultural Power & Engineering and Agricultural Structures & Engineering programs, we are helping students prepare for apprenticeships programs in construction after they graduate high school while helping to meet the needs of local businesses and companies. These programs put students on the pathway to successful employment.”

Pathways are developed in partnership with Delaware employers and institutions of higher education. The Department of Education provides curriculum support for each pathway as well as training for teachers to successfully implement the coursework. In addition, the department is working on agreements with Delaware colleges and universities to ensure that students who complete the new programs will be eligible for college credit at one or more institutions of higher education in the state.

“Delaware Pathways is important for the future of our students and our state’s economy,” Carney said. “Our students learn academic and technical skills and also get meaningful work experience that prepares them for success after graduation.”

The NAF Academy of Business Information Management introduces students to the skills needed to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate business functions essential to business operations through courses focusing on entrepreneurship, global and domestic economics, information technology, customer service, and ethics. Students gain critical career knowledge through a series of work-based learning activities that are conducted in school as well as outside the classroom. These activities may include, but are not limited to, job shadowing, mock interviews, and resume writing workshops. In addition, a paid 120-hour summer internship is designed to be included as part of the program.

Agricultural Power and Engineering

The Agricultural Power and Engineering program of study provides students with the mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles and methods required to understand dynamic power systems and metal fabrication. Students practice real world applications, communication skills, and problem solving skills associated with dynamic power systems and metal fabrication. Students are prepared for a variety of careers including engineering, welding technicians, mechanical and industrial technicians, maintenance technicians, mechanical engineering, metal fabrication, CNC operators, power technology repair and troubleshooting, and green energy technologies.

Agricultural Structures and Engineering

The Agricultural Structures and Engineering program of study provides students with the scientific principles and methods required to understand the interrelationships of construction. Students practice real world applications and problem solving skills associated with agricultural designs and engineering principles. Students utilize problem solving, as well as communication skills to develop engineering concepts and building practices that are sound and reliable. The program prepares students for a variety of careers including carpentry, engineering, architectural design, electrical, plumbing, masonry, construction framing, business management, sales, building maintenance, home improvement, and green energy technologies.

Architectural Engineering Technology

The Architectural Engineering Technology program of study engages students in the world of construction and architecture through coursework focusing on site selection, drafting, architecture, and engineering planning, budgeting, cost estimating, and project management. Students utilize strategies to solve open-ended problems while they learn how to apply technical skills, knowledge, documentation techniques, and processes using modern, industry-leading technology and software. Work-based learning experiences and industry-mentored projects will introduce students to a wide array of careers such as architects, civil engineers, construction management, cost estimators, and drafters.

Computer Science

The Computer Science program of study helps students to develop analytical thinking and problem solving skills as well as algebraic reasoning and quantitate analysis necessary for careers in computer science, programming, and IT.

Early Childhood Teacher Academy

The Early Childhood Teacher Academy program of study prepares students for careers in an early childhood setting. The program engages students in developing a realistic understanding of early childhood education while exploring the importance and impact of teachers as well as the uniqueness of early childhood development. Observation opportunities including special needs and non-classroom settings, provide practical experiences to enrich the learning.

Environmental Science and Natural Resources

The Environmental and Natural Resources Science (ENRS) program of study provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. The program prepares students for a variety of careers including environmental engineer, environmental science and protection technician, geological and petroleum technician, natural sciences manager, wildlife biologist, and zoologist.

K-12 Teacher Academy

The K-12 Teacher Academy program of study prepares students for careers in elementary and secondary education. Observation opportunities in a variety of age and discipline settings, as well as special needs and non-classroom settings, provide practical experiences while enriching the learning. Students participate in a long-term placement during their senior year which allows for in-depth experiences in a classroom setting.

Nursing Assisting

The Nurse Assisting program of study engages students in open-ended problem solving where they study topics such as medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology. Students will acquire important skills necessary for healthcare professionals such as medical mathematics, communication, safety practices, legal responsibilities, and teamwork. In addition, students will develop technical skills such as providing personal care of the resident while taking care of their environmental needs and psychosocial needs. Students will identify signs and symptoms that require alerting other members of the healthcare teams such as choking or a significant change in vital signs. The program prepares students for a career as a certified nurse assistant (CNA), patient care technician, home health aide, licensed practical nurse (LPN), or registered nurse (RN) in acute or long term care settings.

Public & Community Health

The Public & Community Health program of study engages students in a comprehensive approach to health. Students learn the history of public and community health as well as examine complex public health problems, major theories of disease etiology and intervention. Students explore public health issues related to epidemiology, mental health, disabilities, and substance abuse.